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Homicides by Sharp Force

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Book cover Forensic Pathology Reviews

Part of the book series: Forensic Pathology Reviews ((FPR,volume 4))

Abstract

Injuries caused by sharp or pointed objects are common. They rarely cause fatal injuries, however, and the fatality rate is estimated to be 3% at most. Most fatalities caused by sharp force are homicides. The ratio of homicide to suicide is estimated at 6:1 to 5:2. When investigating deaths owing to sharp force, the forensic pathologist is expected to give an opinion on the following points: the type of injuries; the number and anatomical distribution of injuries; the shape, size, length, and depth of injuries; the object (weapon) used; the amount of force needed to inflict the injuries; the extent of internal injuries; the cause of death; and the victim’s capability to act. These points are of decisive importance for the reconstruction of the sequence of events and, thus, are essential for distinguishing between self-infliction and involvement of another party. Most homicides by sharp force are committed by males, often under the influence of alcohol. The most common tool used is a knife, but other pointed objects, such as scissors, ice picks, forks, or broken glass, may also be used. The victims are usually family members or acquaintances. Homicides committed by females are comparatively rare. In such cases, the victims are mostly the life partners. The scene of death is most frequently the victim’s home. Fatal stabs are usually located in the precordial or cervical region. The number of stabs does not allow the drawing of conclusions as to the mode of death, the motive, or sex of the perpetrator. When the number of stabs is higher than necessary to kill the victim, this is referred to as “overkill,” and may point to a strong emotional conflict between the perpetrator and the victim.

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  1. Institute of Forensic Medicine, University Hospital of Freiburg, Germany

    Michael Bohnert MD, Hartmut Hüttemann MD & Ulrike Schmidt MD

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  1. Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

    Michael Tsokos MD

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Bohnert, M., Hüttemann, H., Schmidt, U. (2006). Homicides by Sharp Force. In: Tsokos, M. (eds) Forensic Pathology Reviews. Forensic Pathology Reviews, vol 4. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-921-9_3

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